“He saved his life!”  THAT is the thought that raced through my head as I heard my brother share with me his memories of what happened to him on March 24 after getting phone calls that day from my sister that he had collapsed in his front yard, was unresponsive and was headed by ambulance to the hospital.  That neighbor, that EMT, that doctor had all helped save his life.  Thank God, a neighbor called 911 so quickly and my brother is ok.  As I have reflected on this, I could not help but think that phrase is something we can all say as witnesses to the Good Fridays of our lives.  “He saved my life.”  And that “he” is Jesus.  Jesus saved my life on Good Friday.   The good thief on the cross can say that.  The woman caught in the act of adultery can say that.  The lepers that were cured can say that.   But can we say that?

This evening we will celebrate the wondrous mystery of the institution of the Holy Eucharist and may choose to experience the washing of the feet, Jesus’ merciful act at the Last Supper. The Last Supper was the most intimate moment in the life of Jesus. At the conclusion of the washing of the feet Jesus says to his humbled and confused followers: “I have given you a model to follow: so that as I have done to you, you should also do.”